Catching up with Brady Hoke: The move to the NFL, Ball State’s future and the 2008 team

Brady Hoke, shown here in November while serving as Tennessee's interim coach, addresses the media ahead of the LSU game during a press conference at the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio.(Photo: Calvin Mattheis/USA TODAY Sports)

MUNCIE, Ind. — Brady Hoke has been busy since he left Ball State after the 2008 season. From head coaching stints at San Diego State and Michigan, to stops at Oregon and Tennessee, he is well-traveled.

Now he is making the move to the NFL as he recently was hired to be the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers.

"But I’m always excited about what is going on in Muncie. Coach (Mike) Neu, he’s going to do a great job. The recruitment and all that kind of stuff is such a big part. I think he’s got a very good staff together."

The Star Press asked Hoke three questions as he prepares for his new role with the Panthers:

SP: Why did you think now was the right time to make the move to the NFL?

Hoke: "My brother Jon has been in the NFL for 15 years. He has always told me it is something I should look into doing. It’s one of those opportunities that came. We live in North Carolina now, right outside of Charlotte, so it was a great opportunity. I’ve known coach Rivera from his days with the Chargers and my days at San Diego State. The defensive coordinator, Eric Washington, I’ve known since he was at Ohio University and working the Michigan camp and all those kinds of things.

"You always look for a good culture, and I know coach Rivera has done that. It’s great people to be with. It was a no-brainer, to be honest with you."

SP: Do you keep up with Ball State football at all?

Hoke: "Yeah, I do. I do, I do. I try to find out. (Ball State offensive coordinator) Joey Lynch is a tremendous football coach, and I stay connected through Joey. (Ball State offensive line coach) Kyle DeVan, I know him from when he was at Oregon State. So it’s all good, it’s all positive.

"I know they’ve struggled a little bit, but I think with Riley (Neal) and some of the guys they have on that roster, they’re going to do a great job."

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Ball State football coach Brady Hoke is congratulated after the Cardinals beat Western Michigan 45-22 at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Ind. on Nov. 25, 2008.(Photo: Melanie Maxwell / The Star Press)

SP: Do you ever think back to 2008? Can you believe it’s been (almost) 10 years now (since Ball State went 12-0 in the regular season)?

Hoke (laughing): "Yeah, it’s been a while. But it was a great year. It was a bunch of kids who came together and did a tremendous job. Nate (Davis) was surrounded by a really good class of guys who the staff went out and recruited. They did a really good job. It was a great year.

"We talk about it now and then, but it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years."